I used to be on the leading edge of programming. Not necessarily bleeding edge, but knew where it was.
This project has dragged on for 2 years and has a long way to go. My role thus far has been an analyst/ junior project manager. We have an official project manager and someone else on paper in charge of documentation. Since we are nearing actual coding, I am doing a good bit of the requirement documents, or translating this guy’s things (he’s very smart, but very academic).
During this time, I’ve been doing a lot of diagrams, spreadsheets and other documents. A I have not written a line of code for this application. But, I have supported the old, crappy system. This application began it’s life two versions of ColdFusion ago (CF 5).
Essentially my skills have dulled a great deal. I only know where the edge is, and knowing less about the bleeding edge. There is only so much one can read about and practice at home.
We recently acquired another developer. This guy has awesome coding abilities. He really pushes the envelope as to the potential of the application.
The original plan was for me alone to do the coding. With my skills being dusty, where do I fit in all this? He has the knowledge, I have been doing documentation. How can I balance being the ‘team lead’, yet don’t have the skill set to lead the actual development?
I understand that is how ‘management’ works, but I’m playing both teams. Can there be some sort of equilibrium, without me looking like a ignorant fool?
